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Hey everybody. I've found myself in a unique opportunity to use a 3D printer in this next month or two. I got to thinking about using it to "print" myself Boba's blaster (since I originally didn't intend on getting one due to having no money ). While I'm working on an ROTJ suit (or SE depending on which paint job I do on the helmet), I figured I'd start modeling the ESB sidearm first since 1.) it's simpler in design thus easier for me to get my feet wet in working on this and 2.) the 3D printers can only go so big. The sidearm could be printed out in one large mass whereas the rifle would need to be broken up and assembled.

UPDATE 04/12/2013:

OK. Got the oval shape and set up everything so it should be ready to go!

Here is the printable STL file for those of you who want to print this out:

I love how 3D printing is taking the replica community by storm. Not very unexpected of course, but exciting!

However, you might want to add the number 40 instead, since that would be the right number. The pulce 60 is identical in shape and look, but has a much longer body than the pulce 40 that was used.

I believe Spideyfett's sidearm is from Mojofett, which mine also is, and it is made (handle is cast) from a pulce 60. The tube in the kit was simply cut down to the right length of the 40, but there is no way to change the cast in number on the handle.

Awesome. I was just thinking about doing something like this for the Nemrod holster yesterday. I just read in Popular Mechanics that there is a website that will convert photos of an object into 3d files for printing. You take 20 photos at different angles, upload them and then use the program to clean up and edit. It's supposed to be free but I haven't checked it out yet. You look like you're off to a great start though. Are you going to make these files available to everyone?

Thanks for the comments guys! And thank you Locitus for the information about the 40 number! I didn't realize pluce 60 was a close sister model to the original movie pluce 40. When I complete the model (to the best of my ability) I will try to upload the OBJ file of it so anyone on these forums can download it should they find themselves in the same opportunity as me (or if they want to modify my model to make it more to their liking).

After the sidearm is complete I will move on to the ROTJ blaster rifle. Schools been keeping me busy though so I don't know if I'll have time to model the ESB rifle as well during this time but if the demand is high enough for the OBJ files I will definitely work on it!

hmm... I'd have to talk to the facility but I suppose it's possible... I'd have to print off one to see how well they hold up. If people are interested (and the 3D print is stable) post your interest in this thread and I'll talk to the guy who manages the printers about it. I'm thinking of 5 for a possible run but nothing is certain at the moment.

I DON'T WANT TO GET ANYONE'S HOPES UP. There's still a strong chance the guy will say no but I will try. And again I will have the OBJ file available for downloading completely free for anyone who can print it elsewhere or if you just wanna play with it on a 3D program or something.

Update on the blaster: the shape is pretty much done. I just need to make the "40" and the Pluce logo thing on the sides.

OK so poncho and wes7 are interested. The labs where I print this thing are opened this coming week. I'll have an update on whether the guy managing the printers is OK with printing multiple copies or not. I hope he says yes.

Yeah price would definitely determine my final decision. Stormrider was going to do a run but I'm not sure when that'll end up happening because he is recovering from surgery. So if the price is reasonable and the final product is good then you'll have tons of interest

I'm hoping I can make it for $130 (US) per sidearm. But, again, this is assuming things are ok and that works for the facilities I use (I've heard a lot of places charge 3D print materials by the cubic centimeter so bigger objects are crazy expensive). Does that sound reasonable for you guys?

As an update: got the Pluce logo on it.

I know it's a bit hard to make out (still working in low poly to reduce issues) but smoothed out it looks a lot better. I'll get smooth images that will be what the print SHOULD look like after I make the "40" on the side. I don't think the 40 will be as hard to figure out so it should definitely be ready by the time the labs are up and running again this coming week!

Hey Jc27. Yes I use maya (I have version 2013). As far as resources I have used, I mostly use digitaltutors.com. However, it cost monthly to access it (I only use it for now because my school gives students free access to it).

A lot of times I go to youtube or google if I'm stuck on something. cgsociety.org is also a good (and free) resource as well. Hope this helps.

Thanks Wes7. First post has updated. Anyone who wants to download it and play around with the 3D model in maya, 3DS Max, or any other 3D software you may do so! If you have access to a 3D printer yourself and want to print it out I recommend the "High polygon" version.

PLEASE NOTE. I have not established size yet with the files (3D printers require that). If you take the file make sure to adjust it accordingly because there is a strong chance that it's gonna print either too big or too small at this point. I'll let you guys know when I've adjusted that part. Otherwise it's ready to go more or less.

Wow! Thanks RafalFett. I hope I can make more 3D props in the future. You and everyone else on the forums have helped me so much with my Fett build, this is the least I could do to give back to the Fett community.

Quick update: I talked with one of the members of the facility I'm going to print my blaster. He's not so sure he they will be able to print multiple blasters... However there are sites online that print objects from 3D files you give them and ship it to you! I'll have more information (as well as a correctly sized blaster file) later this week.

This is awesome, thanks for sharing. Im going to have a go at printing this tonight

If your interested we have started a group on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/opensourceprops/ the open source costume and prop alliance. Not limited to SW, its premise is similar to open source software where collaboration and sharing of models is encouraged.

Also, im 50% of the way through modeling an EE-3 I was just stuck on the proper dimensions as there seems to be a few references. I will post something up shortly.